Athens

Throughout this past year, Congressman Space has fought to provide economic development not only for Athens County, but also for the entire region. Listed below you will find some of the projects that will make a significant impact on the lives of residents living in Athens County:

• Learning about the State of Health Care – Last August, Congressman Space visited Hospitals in Nelsonville and Athens on a hospital tour. He learned that rural, acute care hospitals often represent the only access to hospital care available to the entire county and face unique obstacles as a result.
• Investing in Renewable Energy – Congressman Space secured $1 million to build a bio-refinery that will also serve as an educational and research facility at Ohio University in Athens.
• Spurring Economic Development – Congressman Space secured $282,000 in funding to expand assistance to existing and start-up businesses at OU’s Economic Development through Entrepreneurship in Appalachia.
• Leading the Way in Sustainable Growth – The Community Action Service Project received $200,000 to turn the unused Boot Camp correctional facility in Glouster into a Head Start Program, office, and community hub, bringing an estimated 50 jobs to the region.
• Working Toward Developing Commercial Air Service – With Congressman Charlie Wilson, Congressman Space secured $784,000 in funding to enhance airport safety in Athens County.
• Saving the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) – Congressman Space worked in Congress to reverse drastic proposed budget cuts for the ARC. The Commission has been an economic engine since President John F. Kennedy set in motion its creation in the 1960s. In fact, in 2007 Congress actually increased the ARC funding to $73 million, the first increase in nearly a decade.

Congressman Space will continue working to ensure that the 18th District receives the support necessary to spur economic growth, maintain a functional infrastructure, and meet the needs of residents.